RiverCHAT Winter 2021 by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

RIVERCHAT Winter 2021

A publication of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK)

WORKING TOWARD A

TRASH-FREE CHATTAHOOCHEE T

rash in our watershed is a serious problem that affects the health of people, wildlife, and our economy. For more than two decades, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper members and volunteers have worked to remove trash and tires from creeks and the river. Now we have two new tools at our disposal to achieve our goal of a Trash-Free Chattahoochee.

Trapping trash across the watershed With six trash traps now installed in three counties, our Trash-Free Chattahoochee initiative will expand to even more locations this year. Since the program began in 2019, our traps have removed more than 1,500 pounds of trash from the Chattahoochee watershed. We are now using four trap designs, each suited for a unique stream configuration. Soon, two new traps designed by the nonprofit organization Watergoat USA will be deployed in Middle Chattahoochee tributaries. Called “Watergoats,” these trash-booms will be put to service filtering polluted stormwater runoff from LaGrange’s Dixie Creek and Blue John Creek. Throughout our history, CRK has worked with municipalities and elected leaders to curtail trash pollution. So far in this campaign, Cobb, Carroll, and Fulton counties have helped to install trash traps in streams crossing along public lands. CRK also has worked closely with the City of Atlanta to install and maintain trash traps in Atlanta’s Maddox and Ardmore Parks. Now, we are working with Troup County to install a Watergoat trap near LaGrange’s Franklin Forest Elementary. Member of the Lanier High School football team cleaning up tires

Restoring trust fund honesty For decades, Georgians have been paying into the Hazardous Waste and Solid Waste Trust Funds through a $1 fee for every new tire purchased and a $0.75 fee per ton of waste sent to local landfills. In theory, the fees in these trust funds flow from the state to local governments to clean up hazardous waste sites, address landfill emergencies, clean up illegal tire dumps, and fund recycling and wastereduction programs.

Trash traps have removed more than 1,500 pounds of trash from the Chattahoochee watershed since 2019 Tires piled in front of the Georgia State Capitol in protest of misused funds

In practice, these fees are routinely misappropriated by legislators for other uses. Since these two trust funds were created in the early 1990s, approximately 40% of the collected funds - more than $200 million in total - has been diverted to pay for other portions of the state’s annual budget.

With our partners in the Georgia Water Coalition, CRK secured passage of House Resolution 164 during the 2020 session of the Georgia General Assembly. This called for a constitutional amendment that would allow legislators to require these fees be transmitted in full into the trust funds, and prevent legislative looting of money that should be used to clean up trash. On November 3, 2020, Georgians voted overwhelmingly (81.6% in favor) to amend the Georgia Constitution and allow legislators to dedicate these fees. Once these fees are dedicated, we expect an infusion of resources to help Georgia communities better address litter in our waterways. If we all work together, a Trash-Free Chattahoochee is within our reach! n

Thank you for supporting our efforts to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River.

STAFF TAMMY BATES

OUTINGS MANAGER

DALE CALDWELL

HEADWATERS DIRECTOR

JULIET COHEN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ASHLEY DESENSI

MIDDLE CHATTAHOOCHEE WATERSHED PROTECTION SPECIALIST

HENRY JACOBS

MIDDLE CHATTAHOOCHEE DIRECTOR

KEVIN JESELNIK GENERAL COUNSEL

CHRIS MANGANIELLO WATER POLICY DIRECTOR

CAROL MCINTOSH FINANCIAL MANAGER

MICHAEL MEYER

NEIGHBORHOOD WATER WATCH DIRECTOR

MALLORY PENDLETON

HEADWATERS OUTREACH MANAGER

REBECCA K. POWELL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

JULIA REGESKI

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

JESSICA STERLING

TECHNICAL PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

KYNDALL THIESSEN

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

JASON ULSETH RIVERKEEPER

CHRISTINA YORK

DATABASE MANAGER

JORDAN YU

WATERSHED PROTECTION SPECIALIST

BOARD OF DIRECTORS J. RUTHERFORD SEYDEL II, CO-CHAIR DAVE KIRKPATRICK, CO-CHAIR STEVE O’DAY, VICE-CHAIR DAVID SHAFFER, TREASURER HEZEKIAH CANNADY REBECCA CRANFORD FELICIA DAVIS DENISE DONAHUE BERT ELLIS MARK GREATREX SARAH GOODSELL GERARD GUNTHERT BILLY HALL VICTOR HAYDEL RICHARD JACOBSON BRYAN JENKINS MARY ANNE LANIER DANIEL LOCKE JEFF MOKOTOFF JAMIE PRYOR JON RADTKE MARY SCHREPFER LAURA SMITH TODD WANDTKE CATHERINE WOODLING, SECRETARY

REFLECTIONS: THE HURRICANES OF 2020

020 is a year most of us would like to keep in our rearview mirror for many reasons - a pandemic and resulting lockdown and economic crises, widespread wildfires, political unrest, and even murder hornets. It was also the most active hurricane year to date, and these storms had a tremendous impact on the Chattahoochee River. In a span of less than two months, the river was hit with a whooping three major storms - all seemingly following an identical path. After each storm, CRK was on the river surveying damage and collecting samples. We saw extensive water quality impacts from stormwater runoff, sewage spills, and trash. Some areas experienced extreme flooding and residents had to evacuate their homes. Hundreds of trees collapsed into the Chattahoochee, causing the worst riverbank erosion that I've seen in my 35 years of boating. While water quality has since improved, we will continue to see the impacts from these storms for many years to come. As we enter 2021, I can’t help but wonder if this is becoming the new normal. The earth is warming, as five of the hottest years ever recorded have occurred in the past six years. Impacts of a changing climate are evident all over the world,

including on our local water supply. CRK is learning, participating in research studies and innovating to adapt to these changing conditions and impacts on the river. For example, we are doubling down on advocating for green infrastructure to control stormwater runoff. Will it be enough? Will we continue to see this alarming trend of major storms? These questions have this Riverkeeper concerned yet determined as ever. n

JASON ULSETH, RIVERKEEPER

FACES OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE: THE HARGROVE FAMILY

he Hargrove Family is deeply connected to the Chattahoochee River as it flows through Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. Whether coordinating the Team River Runner Fort Benning Chapter, hosting a whitewater kayaking session with other families at the RushSouth Whitewater Park, or just enjoying an evening on the water with the kids, parents Melissa and Matt Hargrove lead by example. “The time on our river blends the chaos of our family circus into the enjoyment of connecting the family’s different ages and athletic abilities,” said Melissa. “Our greatest times together have been unplugged moments and the fresh air, the camaraderie, and the exercise leaves us feeling refreshed.” n

FUN FACT In 2019, their oldest son, Mason Hargrove, won a gold medal in his first ever Whitewater Kayaking World Championship!

Pictured left to right Mathis, Melissa, Mary Claire, Makinley Kate, Matt, and Mason Hargrove

Our mission is to advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, its lakes, tributaries and watershed. ATLANTA OFFICE 3 PURITAN MILL 916 JOSEPH LOWERY BLVD. ATLANTA, GA 30318 | 404-352-9828 GAINESVILLE OFFICE 104 WASHINGTON STREET, S.E. GAINESVILLE, GA 30501 | 678-696-8866 LAGRANGE OFFICE 35 LAFAYETTE SQUARE LAGRANGE, GA 30240 | 706-882-3701

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG 2 RIVERCHAT

Pap Datta pictured with his wife, Mirva

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

ON PATROL WITH CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER Lake Lanier nutrient monitoring This fall, CRK wrapped up our annual nutrient monitoring of Lake Lanier to determine the amount of excess algae from nitrogen and phosphorous. Our 2020 results reveal a continued increase in nutrient pollution; we have seen exceedances of the state standards at all five stations for the second consecutive year. Sources include fertilizer runoff, failing septic systems, and treated wastewater. CRK is an active member of the Lake Lanier Stakeholders group, which is working to avoid harmful algal blooms in our beloved Lake Lanier.

Rubber manufacturer needs industrial stormwater permit

Douglas County Section 404 permit

West Point Lake

CRK is investigating PolyBlend, a rubber recycling and manufacturing facility located in the Utoy Creek watershed in Fulton County, because it is operating without the COLUMBUS required stormwater permit. The facility stores rubber materials outside. A permit is required to certify that heavy metals found in rubber products do not mix with stormwater and contaminate the river. The operators have committed to coming into compliance in the first quarter of 2021, and Lake CRK is closely monitoring their progress as Walter F. they develop stormwater protection plans George and report to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

On September 11, 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a Section 404 permit to the Douglasville-Douglas County Water & Sewer Authority to enlarge the existing Dog River water supply reservoir. The Authority will spend nearly $100 million to raise the dam 35 feet, adding approximately 4.5 billion gallons in storage capacity. CRK was pleased to learn minimum stream flows below the dam will continue to be protected as required by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Monitoring Green Rock quarry

Photo by Alice Richards

Smart trash trap CRK installed our first ever “smart trash trap” in Villa Rica’s Bay Springs Creek, made possible by the Alice Huff Richards Fund. A CASSI water monitoring device was attached to a Litter Gitter trash trap, enabling the device to report real-time temperature and conductivity data to an online portal. The smart trash trap is located on a tributary to Dog River, which has been monitored for litter pollution throughout the past year. Now, weekly trash cleanups and forensicAPALACHICOLA litter analysis combined with CASSI data will provide an unprecedented level of water quality monitoring in the stream.

A proposed rock quarry that would border the Chattahoochee River in Carroll County continues to trouble residents and officials. Zoning laws were adjusted to deter the proposal (mining activities are no longer allowed on agricultural property) and a subsequent building permit was denied by the Carroll County Attorney’s office; the developer, Green Rock, is appealing that decision. After many conversations with concerned residents and a site visit with Green Rock to review their plans, CRK will continue to monitor any developments and review all permit applications as they become available. It is critical that water quality in this region of the river be protected.

TMDL Lake Eufaula The Georgia Environmental Protection Division will draft a “pollution budget” for Lake Eufaula/Walter F. George. The agency will develop a total maximum daily load - or TMDL - to address increasing nutrient levels and chlorophyll-a. CRK participated in the development of TMDLs for Lake Lanier and has requested to be a stakeholder again. The agency must be proactive in addressing rising water quality issues in the Middle Chattahoochee region before any impacts are felt within the area or farther downstream. Rising nutrient levels in the Chattahoochee’s lakes are likely linked to increased runoff and rising temperatures due to climate change.

For more information, visit: chattahoochee.org/our-work/enforcement. CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG

RIVER CHAT 3 3 RIVER CHAT

CRK 2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY THE NUMBERS WATER MONITORING

16,805 WATER QUALITY

TESTS CONDUCTED IN CRK LABORATORIES

63 CREEK INSPECTIONS

132 Neighborhood Water Watch volunteers 105 BacteriAlert samples collected sensors deployed

Nutrient samples tested from lakes Lanier and West Point

4 CASSI real-time water quality

ADVOCACY

SUCCESSFUL CLEAN WATER ACT LAWSUIT TO CLEAN UP INDUSTRIAL SITE ON BURNT FORT CREEK RESULTING IN $60,000 TO BENEFIT TWO WATERSHED PROJECTS

104 Industrial sites investigated

266

Hotline calls answered

38 LETTERS AND TESTIMONIES BEFORE GOVERNMENT BODIES TO

MAINTAIN AND ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

OUTREACH & CLEANUPS

1,225

VOLUNTEERS REMOVED TRASH

9 In-stream trash traps maintained

10 TONS OF REFUSE RECYCLED

1,549

NEW CRK MEMBERS

1 Published guide to planned giving

EDUCATION

90 INDUSTRIAL OPERATORS

AND INSPECTORS TRAINED IN STORMWATER COMPLIANCE

32 TONS OF 406

Rain barrels distributed

TRASH REMOVED

Interns trained

PRESENTATIONS TO MEMBERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

4 RIVERCHAT

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND DONORS FOR HELPING US KEEP WATCH OVER OUR WATERS! July-December 2020 RIVER BENEFACTOR

($10,000 & UP) Alice H. Richards Charitable Fund Anonymous Amy and Kenton Brown The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation The Charter Foundation, Inc. City of Clarkesville The Coca-Cola Company Cox Conserves / Cox Enterprises, Inc. Ellis Communications / Bert Ellis George Brown Trust Abby and Gerard Gunthert Hampshire Foundation The Home Depot Foundation Homestead Foundation The James M. Cox Foundation JST Foundation Mary Jane and Dave Kirkpatrick National Recreation and Parks Association Kim and Tom Noonan Ray C. Anderson Foundation The Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation Patti and Don Ross Sapelo Foundation Laura and Rutherford Seydel Stockel Family Foundation Turner Enterprises, Inc. Wilson Family Foundation

RIVER DEFENDER

($5,000 - $9,999) Aflac Foundation Kitty and Glenn Bosio City of Gainesville City of LaGrange Coweta Fayette EMC Roy Dorsey EarthShare Georgia Shearon and Taylor Glover Jeffrey Harper Hart Family Foundation Victor Haydel / 755 Restaurant Corporation Hewlett Packard Joni House / Canopy Fund Hutchinson Traylor Insurance Bonnie and Mike Jackson Becky and John Jinks Loomis Foundation Gale and Steve McKibbon The Orvis Company Ruby Collins, Inc. Sweetgrass Foundation, Inc. UPS

RIVER ADVOCATE

($2,500 - $4,999)

Anonymous Cool River Tubing Company Jessica Grimes Mary Anne and Jaime Lanier Nantahala Outdoor Center / Clay Courts North Georgia Community Foundation Pilgrim's Pride Porsche Cars North America, Inc. David Shaffer Greer and Alex Taylor United Distributors Betsy and Mark West Melody Wilder Wilson and David Wilson

RIVER CONSERVATOR

($1,000-$2,499) Kim and Jeff Adams Affordable Veterinary Services Beverly and John Baker Ann and Ted Beason Natalie Stephenson and Robert Beckwith Sally Bethea Leigh Ann Blount Landon Bonner Clea and Marcus Calloway Carroll EMC Foundation Cobb Foundation Gail and David Chester Sidney and Don Childress Walter Craig Jr. Amy Davis Douglasville Douglas County WSA Jon DuBose Ralph Ehrich EMSA Fund, Inc Lynn and David Fountain Georgia Power Company John and Eileen Gilberto Jennifer Greene Julie Hairston Elizabeth Hale Joshua Harper Elizabeth and Ken Hixson IQVIA, Inc. Marcia and Richard Jacobson Angela and Timothy Kaliban Kinstone Communities Left Nut Brewing Company Harris Lowe Lubo Fund Donna and Bill Malloy Cindy Miller MillerCoors Katharine and Andrew Montgomery Melvin Moore Tiffany Murdoch Thomas Owen

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG

Teed and Sadler Poe Kristen and Peter Protos Kent and Jamie Pryor Radiance Solar, LLC Rain Barrel Company, LLC Eleanor and Tom Ratchford Republic Services Roderick S, Flossie R, and Helen M Galloway Foundation, Inc. Sylvia and Ron San Martin Tess and Scott Seydel Laura and Edward Smith Snellings Walters Insurance Agency Stanley Family Foundation Terrapin Beer Company Nina Petkas and Stefan Tigges Julie and Louis Todd Todd Wandtke WestPoint Fund of the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley

Manufacturing, Inc. Steve Oppenheimer Maureen and Thomas O'Shea Mary Jane and John Piazza Jon Radtke Katie and Charles Reed Susanne Keough and Sydney Roberts Steve Romeyn Nancy and John Sanker Burke Searls Kate Shuster Ann Steel Amanda and Nate Stibbs Jennifer Still Lynn and Shea Sullivan Liz and Andy Thompson Menlia Trammell Jon Wachter Bard Wrisley Ellen Zegura Brent Zern

RIVER PATRON

($250-$499)

Anonymous Aquascape Environmental Karen Bain Carol and Woody Bartlett Callie and Riddick Beebe Jessa and Tierson Boutte Susan Bowman Nancy and John Brandon Michael Bufkin Brent Campbell Clayton Distributing Company, Inc. Michael Cobb Juliet and Jeffrey Cohen Marjorie Cohen Rebecca and Kevin Cranford Susan and Ron Determann Sandi and David Dunbar Robert Eidson Lora and Geoffrey Fishman Friends Of Gainesville Parks and Greenways Joan and Bill Goodhew III Selma and Tom Gore Catherine Hayes Katherine and David Hendrickson Douglas Kallman April Keller Jamie Kennedy Mary Kilgo Kimberly Clark Corporation Ilene and Ken Kreafle Juliette and Andrew Lebor Meredith and Daniel Locke Betty Obenshain and Brad Marsh Tony Martin Michael McCarthy Kevin McCauley Aaron McWhorter Phyllis Miller Mincey Marble

John R. Adams Family Charitable Trust Lea Agnew Valerie and Cotten Alston Anonymous Akinyi Opeyo and Eric Ayers Dawna and Nelson Baker Carol and Woody Bartlett Mr. and Mrs. James Blanchard Mandy Burnette Captain Planet Foundation Craig Carter Erin and John Clarke Kathy Compton CORE Benefit Solutions Marie Crean Martine De Proost Ford Dian and Michael Deimler James DeVries Jane Dillon William Duncan Carleton Ealy Stephanie and Robert Earley Elachee Nature Science Center Jessica Sterling and Ben Emanuel Susan Ferguson Phyllis and Richard Franco Carolina and Sam Friedman Mary and Richard Gerakitis Dan Gordon Tammy Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Nedom Haley Kathy and Jimmy Harris Hauser Family Adina Hilton Horace Holderfield Jake Martin & Son Contractors, Inc. Uriel Kitron Joyce and Stephen Kramer

($500-$999)

FRIEND OF THE RIVER

LaGrange Art Museum LaQuinta Inn & Suites George Lawes Patricia and Donald Lehman Joel Libowsky Pam Little Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation Elise and Dan MacIntyre Stuart Meddin Judy and Taylor Merrill Tracy Moseley Gail and John Neeld William Nellen Nordson Fran and Steve O'Day Sharon Pauli Craig Pendergrast Tim Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Porges Barb Price Gregory Puckett Rob Pyecha Carly Queen Patrick Ray Jordan Redd Michael Revitsky Eleanore Robinson Kelli Carroll and David Ross Brian Ruppert Nadia Sawicki John Shaw Terry Shikano Margaret and Charlie Shufeldt Kara and Branch Sinkule South State Bank Esther and Jim Stokes Suzette Taylor Pete Trench David Triemer Carter Vick Peter Wellman John Whittemore Katherine Woodruff Williams

RIVER SUPPORTER

($101-$249)

James Albert Christine Alligood AmazonSmile Foundation John Ames Anonymous John and Teresa Beech Penelope and Ronnie Bernath Nancy and Gary Bivins Janet Blackmon Eric Boye Steven Breaux Marcia Brelsford Kelly Brock Marcia Brown Jane Brubaker Christine and Keith Bruno Fran Burst-Terranella Victoria Calvin Julie Campbell Mysti and Christopher Cenkner

RIVERCHAT 5

Alice and Dennis Champagne Annie Cheek Clay Christy Mitch Clifton Pam Coffey Richard Cohen Jody Cook Sean Cox Jane Alice Craig Mary Lou Dabbs Meeta Dama Felicia Davis Nick Decarbo Deborah Donovan Downtown Drafts, LLC Thecla and Kevin Doyle Sandee Dudenhoeffer Chris Durant Courtenay and George Dusenbury Karen and Peter Dvornek Christina and David Ehrhardt Ralph Ellis Nancy and William Elsea Anne and Martin Emanuel Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Inc. Pat and Russ England Ginny Ferguson David Fields Sean Fitzsimmons MJ Frank Gavin Gaffney Pat and Sidney Gay Edward Giles Jr. Judy and John Girardeau Brian Girten Mary and Frank Gordon David Greaves Green Family Hale Hale Kathleen Hall Lillian and Mike Hall Scott Havlak Judy Meyer and Gene Helfman Amber Hendrix Helen and George Henry Chris Henschel Ana Hernandez Alex Hinerfeld Jo Hodges Fran and Charles Holland Carol Holliday Keaton Hong Daniel Hourigan Jody Hudmon Jeffrey Irle David Iwaniec JC Granite Countertops Felton Jenkins Joel Jones Cecily and Henry Kannapell Karen Kasowski Sarah Kernodle Jack Killorin Stephen Kissinger Peter Kobliska McKenna Penley and Joshua Kushner Schinley Land LeeAnn Lands Tom Lantz Courtney and Nathan Lee

6 RIVERCHAT

Karen Luse Rita Lynch Cecilia and Bill Maher Elizabeth Marks Susan Martin Barbara and Art Mathis Wendee and Ben Maxwell Regina McEwen Carl McGehee McKesson Foundation Matching Gift Program John Melonakos Robin Meyer Hannah Mico Paul Miller Jackson Murray Madeleine Murray Ruth and Tony Narcisse Network for Good Lynn Norris John O'Connor Catherine Pendleton and Robert Fritz Wendy Phraner Karen Pinsker Diane and David Pitts Anne Poole Jim Powell Marisa and David Preston Purchase Effect Marcia Postal-Ranney and Tim Ranney Stephanie Ramsey Cory Rayburn Lynn and David Rogers Sue Roy Zain Salim Stan Samuels Karen and Marshall Sanders Rein and Jane Saral Matthew Schaeffer Virginia Schenck Bob Schmitt Kaleigh and Shaun Scruggs John Seiler Kathy Hearn and Keith Sharp Cheryl Shaw Helen Shen Shannon Smith Janet Sowers Ryan Speir Catherine Woodling and Evan Strange Carla and Phillip Street Susan and Tim Taunton Wolfgang Tiedtke David Todd Kay Todd Laurie and Peter Tosto Xuong Trieu Anna Tucker Julie and George Turner Ganesh Venugopal Molly Warendh Melanie Search and Jon Washburn Debra and Andy Wathen Diana Wilson Dixie Wilson Katherine Wilson Harvey Wimbley Melissa Wish Joel Wooten Janice L. Zumot

NEW AND RENEWING DONORS

($100 & LESS) Kate Abercrombie Michelle Aguilar Colin Ake Jan Albitz Amanda Alford Gail Alonso Vincent Anbarasan Katie Anderson Jan and Mike Angstadt Anonymous Dana and John Anthony Luca Antinozzi Craig Appel Carolyn Appen Joel Avrunin James Bailey Alan Bailey Jim Bartholomew Joanna and Paul Baxter BEB Bluestocking Engineering and Biotechnology, Inc. Cynthia Beckm Valerie and Christopher Bennett Karen Bennett Gloria Berland Bilotto Family Joe Binns Wendy Binns Steven Blackburn Anne Blankinship Joseph C. Blessing Ingrid and Robert Bolton Nicole Boolukos Matthew Borenstein Lisa Borowsky Margery and William Bouris Sondra and Patrick Bowie Ryan Bowman Howard Bradley Sharon and Ken Bradshaw Jonathan Braun Jeff Brown Jane Brown Lynn Brown Nancy Bruno Travis Bryenton Lauranne Buchanan Bernie Burgener Pam Burnett Mark Burnette Peggy Amend and Robert Buschman Kathlene Butler Charles Byrd Doris Caldwell Wendy Cardell James Carl Natalie Carlin Clinton Carlson Ruth Carter Stephanie Carter Christopher Cassell Chattahoochee Valley Historical Society Darby Christopher Tammy Clabby Noel Clark Micah Coleman Linda and Steve Collins Mitt Conerly

Roberta Cook Virginia and Robert Copeland James Copenhaver Katherine Coppedge Nancy Corbett Michael Corry Duncan Cottrell Tyler Courtney Kendra Cox Judy Cox William Cox Andrew Craven Kathleen Crawford Dean Crist Caroline and Tom Crittenden Wende Crow Victoria Cuesta Alex Danaila Craig D'Arcy Mike Davenport Clay Davidson Joanna Deaton Daniel Deaver Colin Decker Francine Dykes and Richard Delay Daphne DeMarco Clement Desaulniers Mellissa Dobraski Maria Dolan Denise Donahue and Simone du Boise Dana Duggan Kelcey Dunaway Sue Duttera William Eager Kathleen and Dutch Earle Lauren Eastburn Patricia Edmiston Anna Ellington Kayla Engle-Lewis and Jeffrey Lewis Peter Essick Randall Farmer Ginger Florey-Powell Susan and Patrick Foster Margaret Fox Hester Dennis Frank Tina Freeberg Adia Frierson Geri and Tim Gagat Tracey and Gary Gaines Jairo Garcia Alice and Bob Gartley Paige Gaut Donna and Jim Gawlas Ed Gentle David Ginburg Rosemary Kelly and Barry Glading Asha Gleason Tamra and Steve Glenn Eric Glick Annie Godfrey Bobby Goldstein Mark Goodman Edward Goodwin Joey Goodwin-Scott Helen and Ted Gordon Yaacov Gothard Felicia Green Jacqueline and Gary Greenhood Annabel Gregg Jacqueline Gregory Stacy Grolimund

Dinah and Robert Grollman Will Grossenbacher David Grove Fanny Guevara Michael Hagearty Rebecca and Clay Hales Mary Catherine Hall Carroll Ray Hall Michael and Gloria Hallen Deborah Halley Kathleen Hanna Carole Hannah Scott Hansard Art Hansen Mark Hanson Robert Hanson Evans Harrell Stacie Harris Diane Harris Carol Hayes Benjamin Haywood Joseph Healy Sara Heath Amy Helling Grace Hennessy Chris Henrich Joseph Hensley Michael Hiller Norman Hines Denise Hinson Ina Allison and Jeff Hite Mark Hogan Ellen Honeycutt Shae Hoschek Ralph Howard Anne and Rene Huberdeau Michael Hudgins James Hughes George Hussey Justin Hutchinson Charles Hyatt Penny Hyde Carlos Inacio April Ingle Garrick Isert Gaby Ivie David Jackson Dale and Rob Jaeger Peter James Jessica Jarvholm Ann and Joseph Jennings Ginny Johansmeier Rick Johnson Mary Johnson Carl Johnston Karen Johnston Warren Johnston Melissa Thurmond and Elliott Jones Jennifer and Bill Kaduck Heather Kane Kahmut Karakaya Laura Kearns Brion Kennedy Denise Kent Kashian Key Stephen Kiehl Gustav Kinas Maria Kinas Harriet and Kip Kirkpatrick William Kitchens Sabrina and Hank Klausman Peter Klein Paul Klinger Lee Kolber Anne and Gus Konigsmark

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

The Kroger Company Foundation Marilyn Krone Art Kunberger Karen Lackey Lake Lanier Association Ewell Lammy Samantha Larson Sandi Latty Judy Lawrence Richard Lebovitz Bobby Lee Louisa Rochard and Glenn Legacki Pauline Lindsey Fred Lines Robert Lloyd Larry Long Siti Loo Eva Lopez Paredes Mark Lown Maria and Gary Ludi Barbara Lynn William Mackin Jennifer Maloney Gail and Howard Marshall Abbie Martin Sandra and George Maule Bill Maxwell Cindy and Edwin Mayer Charles Mayo Michael McBride Jo Ann McCracken-Redding and James Redding Lauren and Randy McDow Donna McKinney Lindsey McLamb Megan McLeod-Hanie Richard McNamara Christine McPherson Aubry Meers Pat Mellett John Menzel JoAnn and Ken Meyer John Miles Don Millen Debbie and Jud Miller Sam Miller Christopher Miller Katherine Mitchell Roger Moister Jr. Chase Neiswender Lori Nelson Larry Nilmeier Ariel Noffke Gene Norman Johnathan Nowak Ann and Scott Offen Denise and Tim Olive Rachael Osborne Brian O'Sullivan Eric Ottenberg Helen Outler Jackson and Bill Jackson Anton Ouzounov Michael and Lori Oxman Kanir Pandya Lauren Panetta Dey and Pick Parks William Pate Michael Patterson James Petty Margaret and Brian Philbin Karen and Joel Piassick Jean and Marc Pickard Dita Pickering

Jennifer Pipin Patrick Powers Peggy Pratcher Dan Priester Glenn Quiggle Seth Ramesh Roberta and Chip Reed III Daniel Reese John Reilly Ellen Reneke Cameron Richards Eva Riker Michele Robbins Larimore Roberts Connie Rock Susan and Al Rodriguez Andrew Rodriquez Ryan and Megan Rogers Jeannette Roland Barbara Roldan Stephanie Royer Sydney Rubin Bob Ruby Mustafa Saadi Sue Binder and Jeff Sacks Chris and Shannon Scalley Paul Schramm Kolya Schubert Marina Schubert Skarlett Schubert Susan Lunn and Kurt Schurenberg Lauren Schwartz Paul Sconyers Charles Scribner Martha and Conner Seabrook John Searby Emily Heberlein and Eric Sevigny Cyrus and Nancy Sharp Don Sharp Dominika Sherwood Britta Shields Tammy Shiflett Ruth Shults Andrew Shurbutt Ward Silver Susan and Jim Simpson Nora Simpson Dan Skeels Skrynecki Family Paul Slovisky David Smalley Cheryl Smith Ric Smith Brian Smith Jason Smith Matthew Smith Larry Smith Susan Smith Tuyet Sogoian Mark Soss Jessica Souts Gena and Mike Spears Hendrik Steckhan John Steed Charles Sticher Angie and Jerry Stober James Stoudenmire Robert Stout Kimberly Strickland Shane Sullards Wendy Sullivan Bond Surber Chris Swanson

Donna and James Sylvan Joyce Taaffe Sylvia Talley Kristen Taylor Karen and Stephen Taylor Keith Taylor TerraCare Landscaping Inc. Jennifer Thomas Carl Thomas Randy Thrower Dr. and Mrs. Tietjen Sean Tisdale Eric Tolbert Travis Towns Glenda Triemer Joe Trimmer George and Carole Troxler Vicki and Walter Tschinkel William Turk Michael Uhr Dawn and Jason Ulseth Karen Vaglia Lynn Boyd and Harry Vann Rajesh Venkateswaran Melanie and Keith Vickers Steve Vicknair Cathy and John Villines Vera Vogt Alexis Wagner Scott Waldon Horace Walker Ellen White and Marsha Walton John Watkins Jaan Watson Demian Weekley Seth Weiner Jodi Weintraub Donna Werner Howard Wertheimer Rhonda West West Point Family Chiropractic Faye and David Westfall John Wetzel Steve Wilder Jennifer Wilkinson Matt Williams Bruce Williams Sally and James Williams Anthony Willingham Robert Winchell Michelle Witte Denise Wolpert Donna and Greg Woody Christian Woolfolk Andrew Wright Judy Zaban Helen and Griggs Zachry Kelly Zayas Bass David Zeigler Arnold Zweig

MONTHLY SUSTAINERS/ EMPLOYEE GIVING Accenture Linda Bell William Bell The Benevity Community Impact Fund Annelies Carl Mary Anne and Brian Ericson

Mary Lou and Richard Gennings Griffith Family Jennifer Griffith Edgar Hart Lesley D. High Charles Hoskins Alicia and Hal Jacobs Moshe Jacobson Kimberly James Renel and Bryan Jenkins Joseph Lyle Maggie Maddrey Larry Montagne New York Life Insurance / Hudson Financial Group Beth and Martin Pearson Joan Piccalo Corinna Richards Paul Rosenzweig Salesforce.com Foundation Hubertus Schubert Esther Shin Laura and Edward Smith Arthur Spalding Antonia Treverton Justin Wells Leighton Yates

IN HONOR OF/ MEMORIALS In honor of Phil Amon Daniel Rogers In honor of Holly Fletcher Ingrid Irby In honor of Ted Turner and Shearon and Taylor Glover Mandy and Knox Culpepper In memory of George Wayne Griffith Glazer Family In memory of Joni House Andrea Bear Katie Bowker Jana Calhoun Virginia Georgia Jan Hackney Rose Harris Linda Hodges Sam Hodges Warren Johnston Joshua Kirk Shannon Mantovani Kim Nogi Misty Olive Cory Rayburn Michael Shuber Pendleton Spicer Alan Toney Robert Vogelei In honor of Don Kopanoff James Wood In honor of David Long Alex Long In honor of Jamey O’Shaughnessey Clare O’Shaughnessey In honor of Operations Strategy Team Carter Farrar In honor of Rebecca K. Powell Ilene Klein

To become a member, visit chattahoochee.org/become-a-member. WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG

In honor of Dr. Kim Serravezza William Serravezza In honor of Bob Sherrier Carolyn and Rick Schaeffer In honor of Cheryl Smith Renee Bernstein Katherine Boggs Marianne Falls Kathleen Futrell Gerhardt Training Facilities Linda Harris Rosemary Munsen Darla Robertson Linda Rusch Cheryl Usher Jane Williams In honor of Laura Smith Charles Smith In honor of John Windham Jessica Liddick In honor of Nadia Sawicki and Dan Wood Carolyn Wood In honor of Jennifer Wood Randy Merriman In memory of Rochelle Zaino Kathy May

GIFTS IN-KIND Affordable Veterinary Services Agave Restaurant Gareth Asher Atlanta Botanical Garden Atlanta Botanical Garden (Gainesville) CeNita Winery Steve Close Bill Crawford Elachee Nature Science Center Martin Emanuel Encyclomedia Etowah Meadery Flint Riverkeeper Cathy H. Fussell Google Historic Banning Mills The Inn at Serenbe Legacy At Lanier Golf Club Nantahala Outdoor Center Nespresso Orvis Atlanta Porsche Cars Reduce Reynold's Plantation at Lake Oconee River Through Atlanta River's Edge On The Soque Savannah Bee Company Serenbe Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Southern Sweets Bakery Total Wine & More Vibe Kayaks White Oak Pastures Xocolatl Yonah Mountain Vineyards

*CRK receives 100% of Board and Employee Giving

RIVERCHAT 7

NEW BOAT RAMP

SIGNIFIES IMPROVEMENTS IN CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

The new ramp was officially opened to the public on November 20, 2020 in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia.

new boat ramp will provide direct access to the Chattahoochee River for an estimated 5,000 visitors every year in an area that, previously, had limited access to this beloved natural resource.

The ramp – only the second of its kind south of Atlanta – was officially opened to the public on November 20, 2020, in Campbellton Park in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. Made possible by federal Sport Fish Restoration funds as well as matching state contributions, the park now includes an 18-foot-wide concrete boat ramp that will give boaters, paddlers, and anglers easy entry into the water. Visitors can park in spaces specifically for trailered vehicles, five additional car spaces, or at American Disabilities Act-compliant parking. While federal funding of the ramp is intended to support and maintain healthy natural fisheries, its benefits will extend beyond the water. According to a statement from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), “the availability of ramps in a community brings visitors to those areas, as well as increased economic benefit.”

the river as the resource that it was for those upstream.

here proves that the perception of the river is changing and our work is paying off.”

In 1995, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper successfully sued the City of Atlanta, who, for the past 25 years, has made tremendous investments in infrastructure and treatment according to a consent decree designed to improve the region’s water quality. Thanks to this lawsuit and ongoing efforts to preserve water quality led by CRK, water quality is now 80% cleaner than it was decades ago.

This ramp, along with other projects to increase access to the Chattahoochee such as the ongoing Chattahoochee Riverlands initiative, would not have been considered 25 years ago, demonstrating that demand for ways to enjoy the river is growing.

“We’ve worked hard over the last quartercentury to secure clean water not just where we’re based in Atlanta, but throughout all 435 miles of the watershed,” said Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper at CRK. “It’s taken a lot of resources and dedication, but the fact that people are interested in a boat ramp down

There is still work to do, however. “As more people start to explore these parts of the river, we may start to see more trash,” said Tammy Bates, CRK’s Outings Manager. “But that’s another great thing about this ramp; it will help us to get to the parts of the river where we need to do extra trash cleanups and river patrols.” n You may find details of this ramp and more DNR ramps near you by downloading the Outdoors GA app.

But the potential benefit from the river can’t happen without a cost. For years, wildlife and water quality south of Atlanta suffered because of the City continuously allowing raw sewage overflows directly into the river and its tributaries. Water from Georgia’s capital flowed south through cities like LaGrange and Columbus, where the reputation of the river as “dirty” emerged as a result of waste and garbage that came from their northern neighbor, stifling opportunities to develop

8 RIVERCHAT

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

DRIVE-THRU WESTSIDE RIVER RENDEZVOUS MAKES A SPLASH

or the seventh year in a row, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s River Rendezvous brought Atlanta’s Westside community together for a day of water sampling and discussion about local water resources.

This installment looked a little different, however, as CRK and partner West Atlanta Watershed Alliance invited participants to “drive thru” stations to collect sample collection gear and receive pre-recorded video instructions. From there, volunteers ventured out to collect water from 46 stream locations in Proctor, Sandy, and Utoy Creeks, logging hundreds of data points and helping to provide a wide snapshot of watershed health.

FLOATING CLASSROOMS GO VIRTUAL

uring the last two decades, more than 80,000 students, teachers, and adults have experienced the Lake Lanier and West Point Lake Floating Classrooms. These on-thewater programs involve hands-on science experiments, wildlife viewing, and more, all to help students get a personal understanding of the Chattahoochee watershed.

While the Floating Classrooms were docked due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper used that time to create the Virtual Floating Classroom to deliver the same curriculum online. The idea of creating online programming has been floating around CRK for some time, as classrooms outside of the watershed and others asked about alternatives to the in-person Floating Classroom. Using the online learning platform, Kahoot!, the Virtual Floating Classroom features videos of all the water and land-based activities that take place on the Floating Classrooms followed by interactive questions in a game-like style. As of now, four activities are available for middle school grade levels. Development of curriculum to serve elementary and high school grade levels is underway.

“The annual River Rendezvous is rejuvenating. The community comes together, and this year they all gladly adopted the COVID-19 safety measures,” said Mike Meyer, CRK’s Neighborhood Water Watch Program Director. “This event embodies Atlanta’s commitment to understanding and protecting our urban streams, which are showing improvement in many areas.” Once Rendezvous-ers returned to the drive-thru point, CRK staff went to work testing and analyzing the samples for water quality indicators like E.coli, cloudiness, electrical conductivity, and optical brighteners. Participants later regrouped via Zoom to share observations and CRK lab analysts dove into the results. 60% of sites met the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safe swimming and fishing recommendation, while 40% exceeded it – a fantastic achievement for these urban streams. Approximately 12% of the sites indicate the need for follow up investigations. CRK tracking teams are using this data to conduct follow up instream inspections, which is leading to a potential contamination source in upper Proctor Creek. The River Rendezvous not only helps CRK and other stakeholders identify threats to water quality but also serves as a community engagement and education opportunity. River Rendezvous-ers are now well versed in local water issues and empowered as clean water ambassadors in their communities. See the results of this year’s Drive-thru River Rendezvous water quality tests at https://chattahoochee.org/results-from-westsideriver-rendezvous-2020/. n

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG

“It’s exciting to think about the potential to reach a far broader audience with this virtual program,” said Robbye Smith, a teacher in Chambers County, Alabama. “These activities are wonderful! I love the videos and the slide attachments that can be embedded in Google Classroom.”   To provide additional support to educators, CRK staff can remotely guide groups through these activities. Some scholarships are available for Title 1 schools and disadvantaged groups. Teachers also have the option to guide students through the activities themselves or send links to students for individual assignments.  Today, CRK is scheduling a few small in-person trips. In time, even when the Floating Classrooms return to full capacity, their virtual counterpart will continue to add value with in-depth pre-trip learning and informative opportunities for students far and wide. The Virtual Floating Classroom was made possible by donors including the Stockel Family Foundation, Georgia Pacific, AEC Trust, George Brown Trust, Alice H. Richards Charitable Fund, Charter Foundation, Sweetgrass Foundation, and the WestPoint Fund. n

VISIT THE VIRTUAL FLOATING CLASSROOM HERE

RIVERCHAT 9

IS THE CHATTAHOOCHEE OVER-PERMITTED?

or nearly three decades, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper has engaged in Georgia’s water supply decision-making. Our goal is to ensure there is enough clean water in the Chattahoochee River basin for all those who depend on it, today and in the future.

We are often asked, is there enough water? All major water withdrawals - for drinking, industry, and agriculture - are permitted by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), but some argue that too much water is allowed to be pulled from the river. To understand how much water had been permitted for withdrawal from the river, CRK started with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s 2017 Water Control Manual. Then, to see what permits were changed or eliminated, CRK consulted EPD’s current list of permitted withdrawals. This comparison revealed that many permits have expired and some permittees have agreed to dramatically decrease their demand during the last ten years. The energy sector’s transition away from dirty coal toward less waterintensive fuels is one reason for this change. The generation of electricity through natural gas demands less water than coal, so utility companies have requested reduced withdrawal allocations. Georgia Power, for example, reduced water withdrawal limits at their McDonoughAtkinson and Yates plants, both of which have transitioned from primarily burning coal to natural gas. In the early 2000s, the combined maximum withdrawals at these two facilities were 1.5 billion gallons of water per day. After

Atlanta Fulton County Water Resources Commission raw drinking water intake

modifying two permits and retiring a third, Georgia Power’s withdrawal maximum was reduced to 134 million gallons per day (MGD) at the two plants. Similarly, after Longleaf Energy Associates abandoned a planned coal fired power plant in Early County, their 27 MGD water withdrawal permit expired. While there has been a reduction in energyrelated water withdrawal permits since publication of the Water Control Manual, the Chattahoochee River has witnessed or will see an increase in the total permitted municipal surface withdrawal of more than 120 MGD. This is due to EPD recently issuing four new or modified surface water withdrawal permits to the Middle Chattahoochee Regional Water and Sewer Authority, the Carroll County Water Authority, the City of Cumming,

and Forsyth County Water & Sewer. Three communities have also applied for new or modified surface water withdrawal permits: the cities of Cornelia, Roswell, and West Point. Coweta County is also contemplating the new withdrawal permit. The Chattahoochee River may not be overpermitted today, but a combination of increased municipal water withdrawals and the anticipated climate change impacts of deeper droughts and hotter temperatures threatens our water supply. A comprehensive understanding of all of these dynamics makes aggressive water conservation and efficiency strategies not only the best tools to secure enough water for now and for everyone in the future, but also reveals the urgency for their implementation. n

Westside Reservoir at Bellwood Quarry will provide an emergency water reserve for Atlanta.

Photo courtesy of City of Atlanta

10 RIVERCHAT

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

RECREATION ON THE RIVER A RESPITE FOR THOUSANDS

he global pandemic has driven many to seek solace in our natural environment. Thankfully, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), stretching 48 river miles and offering 20% of all public green space in the metro Atlanta region, exists to welcome millions of visitors desperate to find a safe outlet outside their homes. 2020 was a unique year for this expansive park system. Despite a brief closure beginning in March, park visitation began to increase in May when trails re-opened. Between then and the end of November, the park hosted 2,658,921 visitors. While overall annual visitation at the park was lower than the previous year, in July, August and September, monthly visitation was higher than the same months in 2019. “We have noticed many new visitors enjoying the recreation available in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area,” said Ann Honious, Acting Superintendent for the CRNRA. Ann also serves as Deputy Superintendent at National Capital Parks East in Washington, D.C., but began her 120-day posting at CRNRA in mid-April. “With the pandemic, visitors are heading outside to hike or enjoy the river.” Perhaps one reason so many choose to recreate on the river is to cope with a stressful year. Numerous studies have revealed that time spent outside can have powerful positive effects on mental health.

Becca Powell, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s Development Director, knows firsthand how powerful the river can be. “Fly fishing became a healthy mental escape, bringing me to the Chattahoochee River during the weekends and even after work,” said Becca, who is living with metastatic breast cancer. “When I was fishing, I wasn’t thinking about my diagnosis, or my lists of things to do. I was living in the moment… I personally felt the importance of our river and connected, with my whole heart, to the work CRK was doing to keep our waterways clean and healthy.”

“The past year showed just how important the river is for all people looking for a peaceful escape from the stresses of the pandemic,” said Tammy Bates, CRK Outings Manager. “We have seen visits to the CRNRA spike just as we’ve had a record year for cleanup volunteers.” Plans to provide more ways to connect with the Chattahoochee in 2021 are underway at CRK, including our annual Sweep the Hooch cleanup on Saturday, March 27, 2021, with dozens of sites within the CRNRA and many more throughout the watershed. No matter what happens in 2021, efforts to keep the river a safe place to recreate will continue going strong. n

SAVE THE DATE

chattahoochee.org

CRK also noticed an increase in interest from people looking to engage in community service while limiting exposure to the virus. After initially putting several events on hold, we organized safe trash cleanup events throughout the watershed to serve this need. Altogether, more than one thousand volunteers participated in cleanups throughout the year and we removed more than 30 tons of trash.

SATURDAY, MARCH

27, 2021

sweepthehooch.org Show your love for the Chattahoochee! Registration opens Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021.

Paddlers at Powers Island Photo by John Kelly Photo by Erik Voss

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG

RIVERCHAT 11

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“CELEBRATING THE CHATTAHOOCHEE” RAISES THOUSANDS TO PROTECT THE RIVER

n September 10, 2020, supporters of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and the river it works to protect gathered virtually for a celebration of this precious resource. More than 1,500 people tuned in to “Celebrating the Chattahoochee” to hear updates on innovative river protection initiatives, bid on silent auction items, and converse virtually.

WE ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATIVE OF SPONSORS FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT, INCLUDING: PRESENTING SPONSORS

Through generous sponsorships, silent auction items, and donations to help us fund the future, we raised more than $315,000 to work toward a Trash-Free Chattahoochee.

“CELEBRATING THE CHATTAHOOCHEE”

PROGRAM IS ONLINE

RIVER HEROES Laura and Rutherford Seydel Dave and Mary Jane Kirkpatrick

WATCH HERE

create.produce.post

SAVE THE DATES

RIVER CHAMPIONS

SWEEP THE HOOCH Saturday, March 27, 2021 Chattahoochee Watershed

RIVER BENEFACTORS Patti and Don Ross Abby and Gerard Gunthert WestRock Southwire Company

VALLEY RIVER RALLY Saturday, May 1, 2021 West Point, GA

RIVER SUSTAINER Reduce

RIVER DEFENDERS

Google Sally and Pete Parsonson Bonnie and Mike Jackson

WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL Saturday, May 15, 2021 Gainesville, GA PATRON DINNER Thursday, September 16, 2021 The Stave Room in Atlanta, GA Follow CRK on social media to stay up to date on additional events like, cleanups, webinars, and more.

USA Storage JST Foundation The Coca-Cola Company

Judy and Walter Hoyt Shearon and Taylor Glover 755 Restaurant Corporation

RIVER ADVOCATES Hutchinson Traylor Insurance Nantahala Outdoor Center United Distributors

RIVER CONSERVATOR Sally Bethea Cadmus Environmental Design Build The Orvis Company Snelling Walters Insurance Company

NEW PLANNED GIVING GUIDE As you plan for your future, please consider including CRK in your plans. Our new Planned Giving Guide tells of the many ways to support our work to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River. This guide was developed in consultation with a certified financial planner and an estate attorney.

Richard and Marcia Jacobson Andrea and John Pruitt Affordable Veterinary Services

MEDIA SPONSORS AJC The Bert Show